Summary

Think about your values regarding sex, alcohol and drugs – decide before you go what you’re prepared to do and where you draw the line.

You are vulnerable to all sorts of dangers when you’re affected by drugs and alcohol, so try not to drink too much.

Stick with your friends and look out for each other.

Every year in late November or December, thousands of Australian school-leavers head to holiday destinations around the country for schoolies week (or leavers week in WA), to celebrate the end of school life. The intense partying can be lots of fun, but you need to be aware of the risks, which can include accidents, robbery, violence and sexual assault.

Before schoolies week

It helps if you plan ahead. It is also a good idea to work out your ‘boundaries’ before you leave ­– being clear about your limits can help to avoid unpleasant or dangerous situations.

Suggestions include:

Arrange for travel insurance.

Take your Medicare card with you.

Make sure you have ambulance cover.

If you have private health insurance, know what you’re covered for.

Think about your values regarding sex, alcohol and drugs. Decide what you’re prepared to do and where you will draw the line.

Talk to your friends and find out where you all stand. Plan ways to look out for each other.

Safety tips for schoolies week

Sometimes, when you’re in a group, you may find yourself doing things you would never do when alone. Remember to stick to your own values, because you will be accountable for your own actions in the end.

Suggestions include:

Obey the house rules – don’t get kicked out of your accommodation.

Keep your hotel room locked when you’re not there.

Stick with your friends and watch out for each other.

Walk to and from the main schoolies area in groups. Never wander off alone. Avoid going off with people you are not friends with, particularly if you have had a few drinks.

Agree with your friends beforehand where to meet if you get separated during an event.

Make sure your phone is charged and has plenty of credit. Take your charger with you.

Carry a spare $20 and a phone card, just in case. Have emergency contact numbers with you at all times.

Carry condoms and use them each and every time you have sex.

Try not to drink too much. Pace your drinks. Stay alert. You are vulnerable to all sorts of dangers when you overindulge.

Don’t drink or take drugs and drive.

Trust your senses. If you feel unsafe, move away from the situation.

Be creative. If someone is hassling you and won’t take ‘no’ for an answer, tell them you’re about to throw up – they’ll most likely back off.

Avoid troublemakers during schoolies week

Be aware of troublemakers and avoid them. The main offenders include:

‘Toolies’ – people who aren’t school-leavers, but who attend schoolies events anyway. They are often older and their motives for being there can be dubious.

Sexual predators – there are many people who are attracted to schoolies week by the high number of teenagers.

Media – some people act like idiots in front of cameras and this might be something they later regret. Television crews have even paid teenagers to stage a brawl, because it makes good footage.

What to watch out for during schoolies week

Take some simple precautions so you can enjoy yourself without putting yourself or your whole future at risk. Some issues to be aware of include:

Drink spiking – assume that anyone is capable of spiking your drink. Lots of drink spiking is actually done by people you know adding more alcohol (as opposed to other drugs) into your drink. Don’t leave your drinks sitting around. If you all go off dancing at once, buy new drinks afterwards. Buy drinks with lids you have to open yourself. Don’t accept water from anyone either.

Sexual assault – this is unfortunately all too common during schoolies week. Look out for drink spiking. Going off with a stranger puts you at high risk, especially if you have been drinking, so don’t go to a private place such as a hotel room with someone you don’t know. Catch a cab at the end of the night rather than walking the streets. Males get sexually assaulted during schoolies week too, so these tips also apply to guys.

Brawls – avoid gangs of males who seem to be wandering without purpose. Testosterone plus alcohol can sometimes equal a brawl. Violence tends to spread through a crowd, so don’t hang around to watch if a brawl starts.

Drugs – if you decide to take drugs, make sure you tell your friends what kind so they can give this information to ambulance officers or other medical staff in case of an overdose. Avoid mixing drugs with alcohol or other drugs. Stay with your friends at all times.

Physical injuries – when outside, even on the beach, keep your shoes on and watch for broken glass and syringes. Don’t sit down without checking behind you.

Drowning – don’t drink or take drugs and swim.

Theft – don’t leave your stuff unattended on the beach. Take it in turns to look after everyone’s stuff.

Related information on other websites

Content Partner

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
Reach Out

Last updated:
June 2015

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.